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Port Vauban extends crew program

Port Vauban will continue its crew program events and activities into the summer, according to a company statement. The program offers wellness events, sports and social activities, and professional development opportunities for crew of yachts docked at the Antibes port.

“The thinking behind the crew program is to build a strong sense of community and help provide an opportunity to connect all the crews that use Port Vauban, as well as offer some fun activities,” said Marianne Fourticq, director of the program. “Although we have only been running the initiative for a few months, so far the feedback has been very positive.”

The winter crew program included yoga classes, basketball tournaments, golf days, bike rides around the Côte d’Azur, and trips to local ski resorts. In March, the port hosted a career fair in the Bastion St Jaume to provide a networking platform for crew seeking work. For the summer, Port Vauban has added Café Ponton, a complimentary weekly breakfast truck to serve as a sociable alfresco meeting point for crew in the mornings.

“Although the summer season is a lot busier for many crew, who have less personal time over the coming months, we see the crew program as a great way to offer some fun activities off the boat, such as early morning or evening sporting activities, paddleboarding, dockside barbecues and the weekly food truck,” Fourticq said.

A weekly Captains Apéro with drinks and snacks is offered at the IYCA Beach Club to provide an informal setting for megayacht captains in both Port Vauban and on the Quai des Milliardaires to discuss with port directors the ongoing developments of the Vauban 21 project since the acquisition by Riviera Ports.

With current consignment of contracts at Port Vauban Antibes due to expire Dec. 31, 2021, the Vauban’s team is revising its layout and re-signing contracts with existing clients. Those contracts will take effect Jan. 1, 2022 and will have a 24-year term maximum with guarantee of use, according to the company. About 800 berths are reportedly now for sale, including 300 for yachts from 65.6 feet to 558 feet (20-170m).